Holy Cross College Put On Probation By Accrediting Agency

The agency that certifies the quality of colleges and universities in 11 states said Tuesday it has put Our Lady of Holy Cross College on probation for six months.

The action stems from the decision last August by Holy Cross's owners, the Catholic order of Marianite nuns, to abruptly fire the college's 19-person policy-making board and the Rev. Anthony DeConciliis, the school's president.

DeConciliis and the board members said they were given no notice and no explanation, written or oral. Sister Suellen Tennyson, the Marianite nun who took the executive action, has declined to discuss it.

A new board has since been seated and the college is seeking a president to replace an interim administrator, Myles Seghers.